The Richardson Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (RCPAAA) was founded in 1993 by the graduating members of the inaugural class to support the Richardson Police Department. The RCPAAA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization comprised of Richardson Citizen Police Academy (RCPA) graduates. As citizen ambassadors to the Richardson Police Department (RPD), the group assists the police department with volunteer activities and special needs.
The RCPAAA is made up of citizens, who live or work in Richardson and who have graduated from the Richardson Citizen Police Academy. Active members are required to pay annual dues and are eligible to participate in the organization and management of the Association.
The RCPAAA functions as a support group to the Department and acts as a liaison to the community for the Department. RPD Captain Jamie Gerhart, serves as the liaison between the RCPAAA and the Department.
Events and activities include the spring and fall Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding event, the annual RPD Employee Appreciation Day, the annual Scholarship Program for graduating seniors of RPD employees and help with medical expenses for retired K9s. The Association is also active in the swearing-in ceremonies of new Apprentice Police Officers and providing assistance to ill or injured Department employees and their families. For RPD employees working certain holidays, the RCPAAA offers desserts for those working Thanksgiving and goody bags to those working on Christmas.
Monthly membership meetings are held monthly (normally at the RPD substation). Program topics for our these meetings deal with law enforcement activities. The organization also interacts and assists with the Richardson Citizen Police Academy Class during the 16 weeks they are in session.
Members of the Association are dedicated to doing what they can to let the Richardson Police Department know how much they and the citizens of Richardson appreciate the work done by the RPD.